BOGOTA, Colombia, (March 20, 2024) – The Ministry of Tourism has announced a partnership with Global Lounge Network, a leading lounge management firm, to enhance the executive lounge experience at Douglas-Charles Airport and enable Dominica to tap into Global Lounge's global network. This collaboration, which occurred on the second day of Routes Americas, promises to elevate passengers' travel experience by delivering first-class amenities and services. Benoit Bardouille, CEO of DASPA, expressed enthusiasm about the initiative: "Our partnership with Global Lounge Network is designed to transform the passenger experience, boost non-aeronautical revenue, and draw in premium travelers in search of exclusive lounge amenities. This initiative will enhance the appeal of our airport and generate employment opportunities at Douglas-Charles Airport. It will also elevate the level of customer service through training that aligns with international standards." The Honourable Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister for Tourism, shared her excitement about the benefits of this collaboration: “Our alliance with Global Lounge Network allows them to extend their offerings in the nature island to their loyal customers. This allows Dominica to be promoted in their network which handles over  300 000 passengers monthly and the vast customer base of  Priority Pass and Lounge Key. This move puts us on par with the travel experience they offer at major hubs like Miami, Puerto Rico and San Francisco. It also supports the further development our local hospitality industry by adding value for guests. On behalf of the Government of Dominica, I want extend profound gratitude to Range Development for their outstanding work in establishing, managing and providing exceptional customer service to passengers at our existing executive lounge over the past two years and look forward to continued collaboration with them.” Global Lounge Network is renowned for its expertise in designing, financing, developing, operating, and marketing VIP lounges at airports worldwide. The executive team comprises first-class professionals boasting over 26 years of experience in the airline industry and an additional 20 years in developing lounges. Their extensive knowledge and skills enable them to design, develop, and manage lounges effectively anywhere in the world. To date, they operate 46 lounges with over 300 000 daily customers. For information, visit their website, https://globalloungenetwork.com/. Further information about our Global Lounge Network, will be released soon.

The Dominica State College will host a Career / Job Fair on March 22nd 2024 (9:30am – 3:00pm) at the College Campus (Upper Campus Location). This year the college has extended an invitation to the Secondary Schools in Dominica (Form 3 – 5). This venture will provide the students with an excellent opportunity to meet as well as to start networking with a variety of interested Human Resource Professionals and Organizations and learn about job and internship opportunities. The College is aware of the need to assist the students in obtaining information and exploring the evolving professional landscape, providing them with tools and resources to enhance their eligibility for employment, progressive skills development and personal development geared at promoting their sense of responsibility to contribution and making a positive difference in society. This event provides a unique opportunity for institutions to support the youth of Dominica as they strive for professional excellence. This will also promote the institution’s image as a reputable and good corporate citizen. This is an opportunity for businesses to work in close collaboration with our national college, The Dominica State College.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit addressed the dire situation faced by the Haitian people, emphasizing the absence of a functioning government and the state of emergency in Haiti. He expressed skepticism about the level of attention given by the international community to the Haitian crisis compared to other regions. At the CARICOM level, PM Skerrit disclosed that CARICOM leaders have engaged with Haiti's interim leadership to facilitate a Haitian-led solution. Efforts involve providing guidance and logistical support to all stakeholders in Haiti to tackle the leadership and economic challenges currently plaguing the country.

Dominicans awaiting the processing of their passports can now find relief, as the Dominican government has disclosed the purchase of 50,000 passport books from the Canadian Bank Note Company Limited. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit shared this update during a media briefing on Tuesday, mentioning that the books will be delivered in phases. Additionally, he noted that while the government had outstanding payments to the company, other factors also contributed to the delays in passport processing at the immigration department. The agreement with the Canadian Bank Note Company Limited aims to streamline the restocking of passport books and acquire necessary software and hardware for scanning the new passports.

The Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association (DSAA) has donated an unprecedented $10,000 in awards to the Dominica State College (DSC to be disbursed evenly among 6 deserving students who are experiencing financial hardship. DSAA’s President, Mr. Wayne Liburd proudly lauded its membership for the unwavering commitment and passion “to give back to ouralma mater, and  by extension, the country, which was so influential in not only shaping our formative years, but influenced our careers and life achievements!”  President Liburd went on to say that “one of the best ways we have found to do so is to make it a bit easier for the students who now attend the DSC to achieve their educational goals – a steppingstone to greater heights.” The awards were presented to the DSC Officer-in-Charge, Ms. Trudy Christian, MPH, by DSAA’s Treasurer Mr. Nicholas (Eddie) Bruno and 2nd Vice President Mr. Keith Benjamin, who are longstanding Board members of the association. In their remarks, both Mr. Bruno and Mr. Benjamin felt honored to represent DSAA and echoed the President’s sentiments of commitment and dedication to the college and to Dominica and praised the students for following in their footsteps by attending the DSC. Ms. Christian was visibly elated and expressed heartfelt appreciation for DSAA’s generosity and partnership.  She articulated that “here at the Dominica State College we endeavor to provide a quality education to our students and to make our programmes accessible to all. Through the tremendous support of the Dominica SiFoCol Alumni Association (DSAA), we've been able to enhance the ability of some students to benefit from what is offered here. The provision of six (6) needs-based scholarships by the DSAA to our students is a true Godsend. We trust that this sort of necessary outreach by the alumni of this institution will continue and will improve the educational trajectory of our students in the years to come.” It is significant to point out that this was not the first time that DSAA has been so thoughtful and generous to the college and its student body, and, to other schools. In fact, for the past 3 years DSAA donated subject prizes to DSC graduates, raised funds to support St. Vincent and The Grenadines College Volcano Relief Fund, and awarded scholarships to Dominica’s primary and secondary schools (Convent, Concord, and St. Martin’s schools). The college students were clearly equally inspired by the association’s accomplishments thus far and look forward to mentorship opportunities that are in the works. The awards today come on the heels of DSAA’s remarkably successful 2nd Annual White Sunset signature charity fundraiser that was held last October (2023) during Dominica’s renowned World Creole Music Festival. According to Mr. Paul Philip, Chair of the White Sunset Fundraising Committee, “I feel honored to be a part of such an organization of my esteemed peers who are prioritizing giving back.” He continued to share that, “we are also eternally grateful to so many local sponsors and patrons at home and abroad who supported us and made the event the success that it was.” Mr. Philip further signaled that “we are pumped and inspired by the overwhelming support, and we are already pivoting to making White Sunset with a Hint of Creole 2024 an even greater success.” The other beneficiary of DSAA’s 2023 fundraiser is Operation YouthQuake, and the 2022 fundraiser beneficiary was The Home for the Aged. The relatively young alumni association initiated its fundraising efforts to benefit Dominica just about 3 years ago when it formally launched a dialysis fundraising campaign in December 2021. DSAA delivered on its promise, and raised about a $100,000 USD, and donated two dialysis machines to the island’s main hospital in Roseau, thus aligning its efforts to prioritize dialysis care with similar goals already underway locally by the Ministry of Health, the Dominica Hospital Authority, and the Dominica China Friendship Hospital.

Prime Minister Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit will lead a delegation on a week-long visit to China to mark the occasion of the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the Commonwealth of Dominica and the People’s Republic of China. On this visit the Dominican leader will meet with the President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang and other members of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China. The Prime Minister will hold discussions with leaders of China’s top state-owned enterprises, officials of the Ministry of Commerce and China Global Advisory; and address the Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) Annual Conference 2024, which will be held in Boao, South China's Hainan Province. Prime Minister Skerrit is accompanied by Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Hon. Melissa Poponne-Skerrit; Minister for Finance, Economic Development, Climate Resilience and Social Security, Hon. Dr. Irving McIntyre; Minister for Foreign Affairs, International Business, Trade and Energy Hon. Dr. Vince Henderson; Minister for Tourism, Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton; Minister for Health, Wellness and Social Services, Hon. Cassanni Laville; and Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Environment, Rural Modernization, Kalinago Upliftment and Constituency Empowerment, Hon. Darron Lloyd. Dominica’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, H.E Martin Charles, Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Missi Henderson and Press Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, Mrs. Dionne Durand-Smith are also part of the delegation. In the Prime Minister’s absence from the state, Hon. Fidel Grant, Minister for Public Works, Public Utilities and Digital Economy will serve as Acting Prime Minister. -Ends-

Justinn Kase, the Executive Director of the Independent Regulatory Commission (IRC), emphasizes that the IRC is bound by the government's policy on the tariff review. He notes that since the government ratified a policy in 2021 aiming for 100% of Dominica's electricity demand to be met by renewable energy, the IRC must consider this directive. Kase points out that while renewable energy projects are underway in Dominica, particularly the geothermal plant, their full operation is necessary to positively impact the tariff.

Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has provided an update on the progress of tabling Sir Dennis Byron's recommendations for electoral reform in parliament. During his address to the nation on Tuesday, he announced that by the second week of April 2024, the government will unveil its chosen recommendations for parliamentary approval. Additionally, he mentioned allocating funds for the electoral commission to implement the reform measures. The Prime Minister also urged political adversaries to support the initiative, recognizing it as a longstanding demand of opposition parties in Dominica.

Recently, the Government of Dominica presented keys to 42 deserving Dominicans for homes constructed under the 'Housing Recovery Project.' Dr. Genora Joseph, the Project Manager, emphasized that these new homes will significantly enhance the lives of the recipients. The Housing Recovery Project has engaged 49 contractors and has successfully delivered a total of 248 homes to date. As of March 18th, 2024, the 42 beneficiaries have officially become homeowners.

As Consumer Rights Day was commemorated worldwide on Friday, attention shifted towards the evolving landscape of consumer rights, notably within the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). In an era increasingly shaped by data and algorithms, ensuring fair and responsible AI usage for consumers emerged as a pressing concern. In the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the CARICOM Competition Commission (CCC) consistently advocated for expanded consumer rights in the digital sphere. Recent initiatives emphasized the importance of addressing contemporary challenges while fostering a marketplace characterized by equity and transparency. As the digital economy continues to expand, consumers were encouraged to familiarize themselves with the implications of AI. While AI offers various benefits such as convenience and personalized experiences, it also presents risks, particularly concerning consumer data rights and privacy. Through awareness and active engagement, consumers can navigate these complexities and advocate for policies that protect their interests. The CCC plans to release a study on data protection and privacy commissioned by the CCC, funded by the Commonwealth Secretariat, and conducted by London Economics. This study examines the impact of data protection and privacy regulations on competition and consumer protection within the Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME).

Raymond Lawrence, former Chief Cultural Officer, expressed dissatisfaction with the sluggish pace of rehabilitation efforts for the Arawak House of Culture. He emphasized the lack of progress six years after Hurricane Maria, lamenting the absence of initiatives to support the sustainability of the arts industry, despite the emergence of numerous cultural and arts groups on the island.